On August 31, 2016 the FCC released a Report & Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) addressing broadband access in Alaska. Specifically, “…the Commission adopts an integrated plan to address both fixed and mobile voice and broadband service in high-cost areas of the state of Alaska, building on a proposal submitted by the Alaska Telephone Association….” While the FCC considered possibly making Universal Service regulatory changes to address these specific challenges, they declined to make changes tied to the Rural Healthcare or E-rate program.
Further details of the proposed FCC changes can be viewed here.
Comment Date: (60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register)
Reply Comment Date: (90 days after date of publication in the Federal Register)